Your shopping basket might be lighter these days, but your bill certainly isn't! Grocery prices have been creeping up at an alarming rate, leaving many of us wincing at the checkout.
From breakfast staples to everyday essentials, some items have quietly doubled in price without us even noticing. Let's look at ten everyday products that are taking a much bigger bite out of your budget than before.
The data mentioned in this article was found on the internet in 2025 and is for informational purposes only. Prices, availability, and promotions may vary by location and over time.
1. Sainsbury's No‑Added‑Sugar Dark Chocolate (100 g bar)
Remember when this was a guilt-free treat for your wallet and waistline? The price has silently crept upward since 2020, jumping from £0.90 to a whopping £2.35 today.
Cocoa supply challenges and manufacturing costs have driven this increase, yet many shoppers grab it without noticing they're paying double.
2. Tesco Mr Kipling Chocolate Slices (8‑pack)
These teatime favourites used to be the affordable treat with your cuppa. Now they'll set you back £3.50, compared to just £1.40 three years ago.
The combination of cocoa price volatility and packaging cost increases has hit these little indulgences hard. Many loyal fans continue buying them despite the steep price hike.
3. Olive Oil
Drizzling this liquid gold on your salad now comes with a premium price tag. A standard bottle has skyrocketed from around £3.50 to around £10 in many supermarkets.
Poor harvests across Mediterranean countries, coupled with increased production costs, have created the perfect storm. The humble olive has become a luxury ingredient for many budget-conscious cooks.
4. Asda Free From Special Flakes (300 g)
Gluten-free breakfast lovers have felt the pinch with this cereal doubling from £1.20 to £2.08. The specialised ingredients and processing required for 'free from' products already commanded a premium.
Supply chain disruptions and agricultural challenges have pushed costs even higher. Many with dietary restrictions now face tough choices at breakfast time.
5. Waitrose Essential Italian Mozzarella (150 g)
This creamy cheese ball has bounced from £0.95 to £1.70 in recent years. Once considered a basic ingredient for your pasta and pizzas, it's now becoming a considered purchase.
Dairy production costs and transportation expenses have melted away profit margins. Even Waitrose's 'essential' range isn't immune to the economic pressures affecting our favourite foods.
6. Morrison's Own‑Brand Corn Flakes (300 g)
Starting your day with these crispy flakes now costs twice as much – up from £0.80 to £1.95. Grain harvests affected by climate conditions have pushed cereal prices skyward.
Packaging costs and transportation expenses add to the crunch. Many shoppers are switching to porridge as a more economical breakfast alternative.
7. Volvic Still Water (1.5 L bottle)
Volvic Still Water, a staple for many households, has seen its price quietly climb over recent years. Once an affordable option at around 50 p per 1.5 L bottle, it now typically costs closer to £1.10.
Even this everyday essential is feeling the squeeze, prompting more shoppers to consider reusable bottles or home filtration as a cost-conscious alternative.
8. Tesco Creamfields French Brie (200 g)
This creamy cheese wedge has seen its price mature dramatically from £1.10 to £1.65. French dairy production has faced numerous challenges including increased feed costs and stricter regulations.
Even supermarket own-brand options like Creamfields aren't immune to these pressures. Cheese boards are becoming more of a special occasion treat than a regular indulgence.
9. Lidl Aberdoyle Dairies Cottage Cheese (300 g)
Fitness enthusiasts and protein lovers have noticed this tub of cottage cheese jumping from £0.75 to £134. Once a budget-friendly protein source, it's now competing with pricier options.
Dairy farms face mounting costs for feed, energy, and compliance with environmental regulations. Even budget supermarkets like Lidl have had to pass these increases onto shoppers.
10. Lidl Chène D'argent Camembert (250 g)
This velvety French cheese has risen in price from £0.99 to around £2. Fancy a cheese night? Your wallet might disagree.
French cheese imports face additional costs post-Brexit, with new paperwork and border checks. Even Lidl's budget-friendly European offerings have been affected by these economic pressures.
